Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the tolerability of a novel high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) regimen with peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) support in patients with pretreated advanced ovarian cancer and to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of topotecan in this setting. Advanced ovarian cancer patients previously treated with platinum-based first-line therapy were enrolled. After PBPC mobilization and harvesting, patients received three consecutive cycles of HDC with PBPC support. Cycle 1 was carboplatin area under the concentration curve 20 and paclitaxel 250 mg/m². Cycle 2 was topotecan starting at 5 mg/m², dose escalated in 2 mg/m² increments, and etoposide 600 mg/m². Cycle 3 was thiotepa 500 mg/m². After each cycle, PBPCs were infused. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (5 μg/kg/day) was administered until neutrophil recovery occurred. Seventeen patients were enrolled; all were safety evaluable. The most common nonhematologic toxicity was grade 3 mucositis (44%). Engraftment of PBPCs was successful in all patients after each cycle, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Of 14 patients with measurable disease, 5 (36%) had complete responses, 2 (14%) had partial responses, and 4 (29%) had stable disease. The median progression-free and overall survivals were 7 and 18 months, respectively. The MTD of topotecan was not reached. The tolerability and activity of this regimen in patients with advanced ovarian cancer warrant further investigation.